New Delhi: More than 700 individuals, including former civil servants, academics, journalists, and activists, have approached the Election Commission of India alleging a violation of the Model Code of Conduct during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address to the nation.
In a letter submitted to the Chief Election Commissioner on April 20, the signatories claimed that the Prime Minister’s April 18 speech, which focused on the Women’s Reservation Bill, amounted to election related messaging during an active Model Code period. They argued that the address functioned as partisan communication at a time when several states are in the midst of Assembly elections.
The Model Code of Conduct is currently in force in multiple regions, including Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, where polling is either underway or scheduled in phases. Vote counting across these states is set for May 4.
According to the complaint, the Prime Minister’s address was broadcast through official government platforms funded by public resources. The signatories contended that this provided an unfair advantage to the ruling party and disrupted the level playing field required for free and fair elections. They cited provisions within the code that prohibit the use of official machinery, personnel, or public resources for electoral gain.
The letter also called on the Election Commission to review both the content and manner of the address and determine whether it breached established guidelines. It further suggested that if such broadcasts were permitted, equal airtime should be extended to other political parties on public platforms.
Among those who endorsed the complaint are prominent figures such as Najeeb Jung, Yogendra Yadav, Jayati Ghosh, T. M. Krishna, and Harsh Mander, along with several other professionals from diverse fields.
In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted women’s empowerment initiatives and criticised opposition parties over their stance on delimitation, stating that the proposed reforms aim to secure long pending rights for women beginning with future elections.
